News

Electrons and AI: New approaches to the search for new medicines

Researchers at the University of Graz are revolutionising the development of new medicines by combining electrochemistry and artificial intelligence. Thanks to smart optimisation, the search for new active ingredients will in future be faster, more sustainable and safer.

A special honour for special achievement: six "Sub auspiciis" awards for Graz University of Technology and the University of Graz

Top marks at school, outstanding academic achievement during their studies: six researchers from Graz – from Graz University of Technology and the University of Graz – were awarded their doctorates on 13 March 2026 ‘sub auspiciis Praesidentis rei publicae’. On behalf of the Austrian Federal President, University of Graz Rector Peter Riedler and Graz University of Technology Rector Horst Bischof presided over the conferment ceremony in the auditorium of the Old University of Graz. On 18 March, the candidates Hannah Brunner, Samuel Hörmann and Thomas Steiner (Graz University of Technology) as well as Christian Bundschuh, Peter Hartmann and Lena Parigger (University of Graz) will be presented with the honorary ring at the Hofburg in Vienna – personally by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen.

Award for female researchers: University of Graz impresses at the SPIRIT Award

On February 10, 2026, the SPIRIT Award for WOMEN in SCIENCE was presented for the second time—an award for outstanding female researchers in Styria. The winners, including Raquel Gonzalez de Vega from the University of Graz, impressed with innovative projects ranging from the detection of microplastics to revolutionary blood diagnostics.

New AI Method Revolutionises the Design of Enzymes

Researchers at TU Graz and the University of Graz can use the technology to construct artificial biocatalysts. These new enzymes are significantly faster, more stable and more versatile than previous artificial biocatalysts.

Ganz schön sauber: nachhaltige Herstellung von Kunststoffen, Kosmetika und Medikamenten

“Chemical Life”: University of Graz Christmas Chemistry Show Captivates Audience

Festive spirit met scientific fascination as this year’s edition of the Christmas chemistry show “Chemical Life” transformed the stage of the Schauspielhaus into a lively laboratory. School classes and numerous other guests enjoyed an evening of surprising experiments and vivid insights into the chemistry of everyday life.

Bio-plastics and baroque theatre: Awards for two researchers from the University of Graz

Chemist Katalin Barta Weissert received this year's "Forschungspreis des Landes Steiermark", while Germanist Christian Neuhuber received the "Erzherzog-Johann-Forschungspreis". The awards are endowed with 12,000 euros each and are presented for outstanding achievements in the field of science and research. Provincial Councillor Willibald Ehrenhöfer presented the awards on 7 November 2025 in the White Hall of Graz Castle.

From micro to nano: the plastics slipping through our sewage plants

First, the good news: Advance treatment like ozone can break down microplastics in waste water. The catch, as a team from the University of Graz and Med Uni Graz led by chemist Raquel Gonzalez de Vega has discovered: When broken down with the help of ozone, even smaller, persistent nanoparticles are created, which can re-enter the water cycle.